God Hunter

Chapter 7: The Second Artifact

A week has passed since Anastasia and Illya set out on their journey to Iceni. They crossed a long bridge that stretched over the foggy bay. It was early morning and the sun was rising.

"Glad to see mother is still conducting her cycle," said Illya currently in the passenger seat.

Anastasia nodded.

"I hope everyone is okay," whispered Anastasia.

"So, Iceni, a Human city, right?" asked Illya.

"Correct," said Anastasia "It is on this small island that the city of Iceni is located. It is not a very big place. Despite the size of the island, there is still much woodland. It is in the middle of those woods we will find the shrine to Boudica."

"Alright. Where do we start first?"

"My best guess is to ask the townsfolk."

Soon they arrived within the city of Iceni. The houses were small and made of red brick with the chimneys reaching high. The streetlights were slowly turning off as the sun rose higher in the sky. Soon, men in top hats and suits stepped out of the white doors and went to their own cars. Eventually, Anastasia and Illya found themselves in the city center. It was round with numerous tan pillared buildings surrounding it. There was an obelisk in the middle surrounded by grass. Anastasia then parked the car and they stepped out. People raised a few eyebrows at them.

"Excuse me," Anastasia said to a passerby "Do you know where the Shrine of Boudica is?"

"You find it in the woods you keep goin dat away," the man said with an accent and pointed.

"Thank you," said Anastasia.

"Beware the Boudican Cult though. They isn't too friendly to outsiders."

"Thank you for the warning, we will be on our way," said Anastasia.

They soon stepped back into the car and drove to the edge of town, following the road straight. They arrived at the woods. The trees reached high, blocking the sun, and darkening the forest floor. Anastasia and Illya stepped out of the car and made their way into the woodlands. There was no path. Leaves and sticks littered the ground in which they stepped. Soon a deer appeared in their path, gave them one look, and darted away. Birds could still be heard singing in the trees. Soon, there was sunlight ahead and they stepped out into a clearing. In front of them was a large rock.

"Well, do we go now?" asked Illya.

Anastasia shrugged. Suddenly, there was a howl, sounding like a wolf. Illya drew her sword and Anastasia lifted her hands. Then, on the rock appeared a man. He howled aloud again. He wore a fur hat with deer antlers attached to the sides. A small black veil covered his eyes and his face, arms, and legs were covered in mud. He wore a dirty green shirt with dirty green pants and was barefoot.

"You! Intruders!" the man said with a scratchy voice.

"We are not intruders. My name is Illya and this is my sister Anastasia," said Illya.

Anastasia stepped forward and gave a curtsy.

"Yes. I am a priestess. We have come to visit the Shrine of Boudica," said Anastasia.

"Priestess? No. No priestess has been here in years!" said the man.

He soon drew an axe and from the bushed numerous other warriors appeared carrying rounded shields, spears, and axes. They were either shirtless, naked, or wore a dirty shirt as well. The man let out a howl and the others howled as well.

"Enough!" said a female voice stepping on the rock behind the man.

The man looked up.

"But Lady Frigge," said the man.

"I have spoken, Woden," she said.

Anastasia and Illya stared up at Lady Frigge. She wore a long white dress with a tie belt at the waist. Her hair was long and red and her face veiled. On top of her veil were long antlers as well.

"I can tell the girl is a priestess. Let them pass," she said, "We will take them to the shrine."

Soon Lady Frigge and Woden stepped down from the rock to meet with them.

"Thank you, Lady Frigge," said Anastasia.

"Of course. I could tell you were a member of our order by your mana aura and robes. Why do you not have a chime yet?" asked Frigge.

"I was...out of action for a year. I never was able to earn mine."

"I see. Well, make sure you obtain one to avoid any other...mishaps."

"I will. Thank you, Lady Frigge."

They walked further into the woods.

"Tell me, why do seek her Majesty Boudica?" asked Frigge.

"I am a priestess. It is part of my duty to seek every shrine for the pilgrimage."

"Yes. Why has the other girl accompanied you? She is not a priestess," said Frigge.

"Tomoe Gozen tasked me with finding all of her weapons. This was the closest one," said Illya.

"I see. The trek from Awazu must have been quite the long one. We are approaching the shrine."

Soon the woods cleared up to a village. The buildings were made from sticks and mud. Children ran and chased each other while adult women tended the farm animals. In the middle was the statue of a woman holding a spear. Her long hair flowed gracefully behind her. She gripped the reigns of her chariot which was carried by two horses. As they approached the shrine, the village people stared at them.

"I have a question Lady Frigge," said Anastasia.

"Ask away."

"Why do you all live out here and not in Iceni?"

"We were tasked to protect this shrine for when the divine arrives once again. Iceni is just a distraction from the real target. Out here, we are one with nature as well, giving us much time to meditate and learn mana. Although not all of us are able," she quickly gave a glance to Woden "And do forgive the villagers for staring. It is not often Elves come to this part of the world."

Illya approached the shrine of Boudica. She gently places a hand on it and closes her eyes. When she opens them, she finds herself in a forest, like the one they were just in. The difference is she stood in a dirt road. Soon the sound of a horses and wheels came rolling in. In the path appeared a wooden chariot laced with gold. Boudica carried her spear in the free hand as she held the reigns. Her hair was long and red and her face decorated with green war paint. She had a long blue cloak and wore a red dress with a golden belt. Illya gave a bow.

"Majesty Boudica," said Illya.

"Yes, it is I. Goddess of Rebellion, Uprising, and Bloody Overthrow," Boudica said stepping down from her chariot.

"I am Illya. Daughter of Re the Sun Goddess."

"Yes. I know who you are niece. Please stand."

Illya stood up. Boudica had a stern face. She did not crack a smile but her voice was calming.

"I see you carry sister Tomoe Gozen's sword. She has chosen you as inheritor?"

"Yes."

"Very well. I shall grant you her weapon."

Boudica then raised her free hand and a spear shaped object began to form. The spear had cross shape at the end with the blades on the side being curved.

"This is the yari of Tomoe Gozen. Take it dear niece," said Boudica.

She handed the spear to Illya who gracefully took it with both hands.

"Thank you, auntie Boudica," said Illya.

Boudica nodded. She then suddenly looked toward the sky with surprise.

"You need to go back to your world now Illya!" she exclaimed.

"Why is that auntie?" Illya asked.

"The Servants are looking for you. Please. Keep my people safe."

Illya nodded. She looked at the yari once again and closed her eyes.